A 2026 Remitly study reveals that South African expatriates are among the most homesick globally, ranking second worldwide.
Looking up at an unfamiliar sky or struggling to find your favourite comfort foods can leave many South African expats feeling disconnected, missing the warmth of home – from a weekend braai to the vibrant sense of community. While moving abroad often promises better career opportunities, global mobility, or a safer environment for families, the emotional toll of homesickness can be significant.
For South African expatriates, adjusting to life abroad means navigating complex feelings of nostalgia and longing. The strong emotional connection to their homeland is backed by data, with a global survey confirming South Africans feel the pull of home deeply. Recognising these emotions is the first step to building a thriving life overseas.
If you’re a South African expat feeling homesick, know that your experiences are shared by many others around the world.
Why are South Africans abroad among the most homesick?
What the 2026 Remitly study says about homesick expats
The 2026 Remitly study highlights South Africa as the second most homesick nation globally. This extensive survey, covering 3,100 adults across 21 countries, reveals that South African expats deeply miss their roots.
While the Philippines ranked first in global homesickness, South Africa edged out countries like Canada and Mexico (tied for third), with Brazil, India, and France also making the top ten. The narrow margins between these rankings emphasize how difficult leaving one’s home country can be, with South African expats feeling the impact even more intensely.
What do South African expats miss most about home?
- Family: 8 in 10 South African expats cited missing family as their biggest emotional challenge.
- Friends: Over 6 in 10 reported longing for their social connections back home.
- Local Food & Drink: Familiar flavours, from biltong to melktert, are missed by more than half of respondents.
- Native Language: Around a third miss hearing South African languages regularly.
- Other Comforts: The warm climate, cultural familiarity, and the comfort of home environments are other common longings.
Certain moments often intensify homesickness:
- Calling family and friends.
- Facing personal struggles or illness.
- Celebrating milestones like birthdays or holidays far from home.
How can South African expats manage homesickness?
Managing homesickness as a South African living abroad often starts with staying connected to loved ones. Nearly 7 in 10 expats find comfort in regular calls or video chats, bridging the emotional distance with familiar voices and faces. Food also plays a powerful role in easing homesickness. Recreating South African recipes or visiting shops with local goods helps expats feel closer to home. Watching South African TV shows, following sports, exercising, or journaling are also popular methods for managing homesickness.
Ultimately, overcoming homesickness as a South African expat is about finding balance and creating connections to both your new environment and your roots. By blending familiar traditions with new experiences, expats can foster a sense of belonging no matter where they are in the world.
FinGlobal: Supporting your financial transition as a South African expat
Alongside emotional adjustments, expats must manage financial transitions, which can add to the burden of living abroad. South African tax laws, currency transfers, and retirement planning can create additional stress for South African expats.
Whether you need to complete tax emigration, make an international transfer or cash in your South African retirement annuity, our team of experts is waiting to assist you every step of the way.
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